Megos arrested, charged with another larceny

Norwich — City businessman Zane Megos, already facing several larceny charges for allegedly taking deposits and rent money for apartments that were condemned, was arrested for a third time Wednesday afternoon and charged with third-degree larceny.

Police said the latest charge stems from a 2009 incident in which the alleged victim paid Megos a down payment on a house but never received a refund. Police said the buyer came forward recently after hearing about Megos’ arrest on similar allegations.

An investigation by The Day discovered more than a dozen would-be tenants who had given Megos deposits and advance rent money for apartments, mostly in Norwich and New London. In those cases, Megos did not own the buildings or they were owned by his companies but had been condemned.

Tenants described a pattern in which Megos would meet them in a local doughnut shop parking lot and accept the deposits, giving them paper receipts, but later would tell them renovations were delayed for various reasons. When they attempted to obtain refunds, Megos either refused or failed to return calls or to show up for scheduled meetings.

Norwich police arrested Megos, 55, of 31 Dellwood Road, Norwich, on June 22 on charges of second-degree larceny, third-degree larceny and three counts of fourth-degree larceny. He has since been released on cash bonds totaling $16,000.

He is also free on a $2,500 bond in connection with a March 24 charge of third-degree assault and breach of peace after one alleged victim confronted him to ask for his deposit money back.

On Wednesday, Megos was released on a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear Aug. 16 in Norwich Superior Court. He’s scheduled to appear Aug. 17 on the other five larceny charges.

New London police confirmed in June that they are investigating a complaint against Megos. No charges have been filed in that case.